Administration optimistic after Ottawa visit

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TRU administration is encouraged by the prospect of federal infrastructure funding after a visit to the nation’s capital Wednesday though its application has yet to be approved.

The Liberal government has earmarked $2 billion in infrastructure funding for post-secondary projects.

TRU is seeking a total of $30 million for two projects directly tied to the economy and health care, the Nursing and Population Health Building plus the Training and Industrial Technology Building. They represent the evolution of the campus master plan and would be built next to existing nursing and trades facilities.

Application deadline for the funding is next week. Total cost of the new buildings is estimated to be $60 million.

“We were met with positivity,” said Christopher Seguin, vice-president advancement. They hope to see the funding confirmed this summer if TRU's application is successful.

“We would be in the ground as soon as possible,” said Seguin, noting that a business plan and design work are already complete. Construction would take two years to complete.

Both additions would help serve unmet needs. In the case of industry, the need to reinforce the regional workforce only grows while the province as a whole continues to experience a nursing shortage, Seguin said.

Honest Kamloopsian says:
May 6, 2016 08:10am

But what about operating funds? Otherwise, the buildings will be empty or rapidly decline.

Ditto new programs like Engineering. Without also supplementing government funding transfers to existing core programs (e.g., physics), those programs will suffer and internal strife along with feelings of "unworthiness" will rise in those ranks.